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Ego LV1 Paintball Marker

Ego LV1 - The First Lever Valve Operated Paintball Marker

When Planet Eclipse decided to halt the annual release of its flagship marker, the Ego, many
people assumed that is was because Planet felt that there was little could be done to improve on
the existing design; this simply wasn't the case. In 2011 Planet Eclipse decided that rather than
spend time making small, incremental changes to its models - in order to conform to the industry
annual release model – it would utilize time more productively by making more significant
changes, less often.

Development

a design that overcomes all of the shortfalls of the conventional poppet
design while retaining all of its strengths...

It has been over two years since the launch of the Ego11 (renamed to the Ego-S in 2012) and
that time has been used to dissect the Ego, and poppet-valve markers in general, in order to better
understand every aspect of their function; to break down their operation into its component
elements so that a new system could be designed, one that overcomes all of the shortfalls of
the conventional poppet design while retaining all of its strengths. As a result, the Ego
LV1 utilizes technology never before seen in a paintball marker in order to transform the
way that it shoots and feels, yet still provide the robustness, hassle-free reliability and
ease of maintenance that Egos are renowned for.

LV (Lever Valve)

Internally the Ego LV1 introduces a revolutionary new design that rewrites what can be achieved
with this type of platform. The system incorporates a profiled (cam-shaped) lever between the
rammer and the exhaust valve that is used to separate the action of the rammer and bolt from
the action of the valve. This additional element in the mechanism has several major benefits
over the conventional directly-linked knock-open system, particularly with respect to the force
required to open the valve and the rate at which the valve is opened. This indirect operation
of the exhaust valve means it can be opened slower, with considerably less force, yet retain
excellent seal integrity, something that has blighted other low opening force or balanced valve systems.

through the mechanical advantage of the lever, it requires significantly less force from the rammer...

While existing designs may require a low force to open the exhaust valve they are still bound
by the need to overcome blowback using the speed and mass of the bolt which means that the valve
has to be opened with a greater speed than is actually required. Often, these designs will also
suffer from low closing forces that can drastically affect efficiency. The LV1 suffers none of
these drawbacks: the valve can still utilise a large closing force to help create a robust seal
and yet, through the mechanical advantage of the lever, it requires significantly less force
from the rammer to open it. Also, because the lever has a shaped profile, similar to a cam, the
rate at which the valve opens and closes is no longer in a fixed ratio with the movement of the
rammer; this allows accurate and independent control of the power pulse of air behind the ball
unlike anything previously seen on a marker of this kind.

AT (Air Transfer) Pipe

Also new for the Ego LV1 is the AT (air transfer) Pipe system. The conventional fittings
and macroline hose of previous Ego designs has been removed and the gas is now routed through
the frame and across to the HPR via an adjustable pipe. This design keeps the marker body
height to an absolute minimum and keeps the trigger hand as close to the barrel axis whilst
negating the need for complex and tortured gas paths through the marker body. To ease technical
support of the marker the SL4 HPR can either be completely replaced with a standard SL3 HPR or
the SL4 swivel can be quickly and easily replaced with the optional hose-style swivel to
allow the LV1 to be gassed up with the frame removed. A handy ‘Tech’ Kit is available
that includes the SL4 swivel, hose and tank adaptor for those that feel they may need it.

Benefits

The LV1 has to be seen and shot to fully appreciate the leap forward this
system has made to poppet valve markers....

So what are the benefits to shooting the LV1? Well, the smaller forces generated by the
reciprocating components (the bolt and the rammer) due to lower LPR pressure and the smoother
profile of the air which is released behind the ball combine to greatly reduced kick and significantly
lower the sound signature. The change is so marked that in terms of feel and sound the Ego LV1
is no longer comparable to other poppet-based markers, but instead finds itself competing with
the very best spool operated devices. The LV1 has to be seen and shot to fully appreciate the
leap forward this system has made to poppet valve markers.

Innovations

Of course, the lever operated valve is only one of the innovations in the Ego LV1, there are
many more improvements throughout the entire marker; front to back; inside and out. For example
the exhaust valve itself is a completely new design: from the profile of the "onion bulb"
valve to the fully sheathed valve spring, the goal is to provide a path that is as smooth as
possible, leading up to and through the valve, in order to reduce turbulence and allow the air
to flow and work as efficiently as possible. The exhaust valve and valve guide also incorporate
a very large post-release sensing surface area that is tuned to complement the lever mechanism
and the forces generated by the reciprocating parts. This works to shut the valve off quickly
after each shot so that the excellent efficiency that users expect from a poppet valve marker
is retained. The vast increase in valve chamber volume that the LV1 offers over previous Egos
further aids this feature and helps lower the overall operating pressure of this marker.

Rammer

gone is the institutionalised 1 inch bolt and rammer stroke found in all other poppet valve markers...

The rammer has also been further developed: gone is the institutionalised 1 inch bolt and rammer
stroke found in all other poppet valve markers; this throwback from old off-the-shelf pneumatic
components has no place in the modern paintball marker as it limits both intelligent bolt-head
design, which can prevent stack clipping and bolt strike fractures, as well as the development
of staged acceleration in systems that still have momentum requirements. The LV1 is fitted with
a new Zick3 rammer that uses a longer stroke in order to help facilitate both of the above while
allowing for the longer valving stroke required by the lever mechanism and, contrary to popular
belief, this additional stroke length has negligible effect on cyclic rates, with the LV1 capable
of rates of fire well into the 20+bps* range (*subject to conditions and components). The Zick3 also
has a far more pronounced dual force set-up designed to help reduce the initial force on the
ball as it is pushed towards the barrel and to offer more cushioning on the return stroke.
The LV1 also benefits from the fact that, as standard, it will come complete with two different
weights of rammer. The Standard rammer offers the benefit of allowing the LV1 to run at the lowest possible
operating pressures. It is perfect for shooting the most fragile paint or when looking for
the quietest shot. The Lightweight rammer on the other hand offers exceptional efficiency.
A small increase in operating pressure and the associated small increase in sound signature
are the only penalties.

The rammer drives a new bolt with a fully rubberised, ramped tip and floating transfer port
seals. Combined with the smoother gas release from the valve, the LV1 works to minimize all ball
breakages in the marker. The bolt and rammer design minimize instances of stack clipping and ball
cracking from the forward motion of the bolt and the profile of the gas power pulse reduces peak
pressure behind the ball to help combat fragile paint being blown apart in the barrel. When
trying to shoot super-fragile, tournament grade paint every little bit helps get that ball out
of the barrel and straight on target.

Efficiency

One of the benefits of the new valve, bolt, lever and rammer design is that the operating
pressures of the Ego LV1 are significantly lower than in previous Egos. The low pressure
regulator (LPR) operates in the 65-80psi range and the SL4 high pressure regulator (HPR)
supplies air to the valve chamber in the range of 120-135psi. Both the LPR and the HPR have
been redesigned: the LPR in order to house it inside the body, leaving the area under the barrel
clear of any obstructions that might impede grip; and the HPR in order to shorten its overall
length such that it blends both aesthetically and ergonomically with the internally mounted LPR.
Both regulators are designed to operate within limits that will prevent accidental damage to key
components such as the solenoid and the exhaust valve. The SL4 regulator is also capable of
operating with tank regulators ranging from SLP-level outputs right up to high pressure (800psi)
outputs. It's an incredibly versatile regulator.

Maintenance

Ease of repair and maintenance has also been significantly improved in the LV1 by making
the majority of the markers key components accessible without the need for tools. The rammer
cap no longer requires a hex key to remove, meaning the rammer can be cleaned and lubed without
tools. The inline regulator, LPR, valve plug, exhaust valve, and valve guide can all be removed
without turning a screw. It really is one of the easiest markers available to strip down and service.

Ergonomics

Of course in a game one of the most important aspects of any marker is how it feels in your
hands. The Ego LV1 features a raft of changes aimed at making it as comfortable, ergonomic
and stable as possible. The grip-frame itself has been strengthened to make it less susceptible
to twisting under excessive impact and sports a new set of grips that blend seamlessly into a
fully contoured console that gives a continuous rubber grip surface round the back of the frame.
And it's not just the frame that has received a new grip; a contoured ergonomic rubber grip
sleeves the HPR and runs up the front of the body, the grip surface designed to provide optimal
control of the marker at all times. The distance between these two grips has also been increased
to give a more stable shooting platform to work from. The trigger is, of course, opto sensor
and micro-switch enabled and incorporates both magnetic and leaf spring return mechanisms
and attached to the bottom of the frame is a sleek new AT POPS system which has all of the
features of the existing POPS, without the macroline.

Electronics

Inside the grip-frame the Ego LV1 has every electronic feature that you've come to expect from
an Eclipse marker: super-fast processor; perfect eye logic; backlit, transflective LCD that's
easy to read in even the brightest direct sunlight; E-Portal compatibility for personalised splash
screen design, firmware updates and custom profile settings; and compatibility with the rules of
all of the major leagues, worldwide.

Support & Service

Of course, the Planet Eclipse experience doesn't stop the moment you take the gun out of the box.
From the very beginning, over twenty years ago, the company has prided itself on training and
supporting more technicians, in more countries and attending more events, both at the recreational
and the tournament level, than probably any other manufacturer. Every Planet Eclipse marker is
designed with durability, simplicity and ease of maintenance at the fore and Planet strives to
ensure that its customers never require technical support. However, should the need arise then
access to that support is available through virtually every form of communication: from email
to social media to forums and telephone as well as through technical classes and qualified
technicians in as many places as possible to make sure that Planet Eclipse customers always
receive a timely response to their queries or problems.

Anyone who has had the opportunity to shoot an Ego LV1 will tell you that there has been no
compromise in any way with the performance on offer from this marker. Every aspect of the Ego
LV1 has been shaped to create the ultimate expression of Eclipse passion, performance and quality.
There has never been such a complete and thorough overhaul of the Ego. No stone left unturned in
the pursuit of perfection. It has to be felt to be believed.

Ego LV1. A new chapter in Ego history.

Ego LV1 Features

Unique Lever Valve Mechanism

Zick3 Rammer System

Heavy and Light Zick3 Rammer Included

Cure5 Bolt

Internal LPR

SL4 Inline Regulator

AT Pipe Gas Transfer System

High Flow Onion Valve

Shielded Valve Spring

AT POPS

40% Larger Valve Chamber

65-80psi LPR Pressure

120-135psi Inline Pressure

Contoured Grip and Console

HiGrip Foregrip and Body Sleeve

Adjustable Direct Acting Solenoid Valve

Dual Rammer Speed Controls

Tool-less Bolt, Rammer and Valve Removal

14.5" Shaft4 Barrel with 0.689" Back

Infra-Red Break Beam Eyes

Replaceable Transflective Graphic LCD Module

Adjustable Tru-Colour RGB LCD Backlite

16-Bit Microprocessor - 16 MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second)

Improved Solenoid Drive Circuitry for increased Velocity Consistency

Menu Driven User Interface

Ultra-Lightweight, Single Billet 3D Machined Body (Machined in the UK)

Deftek Offset Feed Tube

Clamping Feed with Sprocket Wheel Adjustment

Integrated Rammer Housing

Integrated FRM

Offset Bores

Micro-Switch and Opto Sensor Trigger Activation

Dual Instrument Grade Ball-Raced Trigger

Dual Trigger Return Mechanisms - Magnetic and Spring Trigger

Integrated Audible Sounding Device

Ramping and Semi-Auto Modes

Compliant with Regulations of all Major Paintball Leagues

E-Portal Compatible

Assembled and Tested at Planet Eclipse HQ in the UK

Ego LV1 Specifications

Dimensions

Weight

936g/2.06lb (inc Barrel,Battery,Feed,POPS)

Length

555mm (inc Barrel)

Height

210mm

Width

27mm

Materials

Body

6082-T6 Aluminium

Barrel

6061-T6 Aluminium

Frame

6061-T6 Aluminium

Feed

6061-T6 Aluminium

Eye Covers

6061-T6 Aluminium

Electronics

User Interface

3 Push buttons on frame with tourney lock on PCB

Display

Transflective LCD w/ Tru-Color adjustable backlite

Solenoid Voltage

5v

Processor Voltage

3.3v

Micro Processor

16-Bit 16 MIPS Flash Microcontroller

Power Supply

1 x 9v (PP3) Battery

E-Portal

Compatible (included)

Hardware

ASA Mount

(AT) Direct Mount POPS (Push On Purge System)

Trigger Methods

Micro-Switch and Photo-Interrupter Optical Sensor

Trigger Mechanism

Leaf Spring and Magnetic Return

Trigger Pivot

Dual Instrument Ball Race Units Mounted in Bearing Carrier

Barrel

2-Piece Micro Honed Shaft4 14.5" length 0.689" Bore

Feed Tube

Lever operated Clamping Feed with Sprocket thumb wheel

Pneumatics

Operating Principle

Under and Over Poppet with Lever Valve Mechanism

Solenoid Type

Custom MAC Direct Acting Solenoid Valve

Drive Mechanism

Zick3 Rammer System (Regular and Lightweight Options)

Bolt Mechanism

Cure5 Bolt

Ergonomics

Grip Type

Contoured dual density grip

Grip Pitch

185mm

Firmware

Firing Modes

Semi & Ramping capped and uncapped

Debounce Modes

10 Debounce Modes plus Custom Tuning

Ego LV1 Gallery

Ego LV1 Video

Ego LV1 Colours

Colours subject to availability. Images are for illustration purposes
only and are subject to manufacturing tolerances so the colours shown may vary from the actual
production models.Please consult your Local Eclipse Dealer.

Deep Hunter

Midnight

Poison IV

Spekta 2

Superblue

Vamped

Ego LV1 Team Editions

Colours subject to availability. Images are for illustration purposes
only and are subject to manufacturing tolerances so the colours shown may vary from the actual
production models.Please consult your Local Eclipse Dealer.

Community

Sites

Planet Eclipse is a trusted leading manufacturer of professional paintball markers such as the Ego LV1, Geo, Etek, Etha
and SL shooting platforms, creators of the Eclipse Distortion and Eclipse Overload brand clothing and paintball accessories.
We have offices both in the USA and UK and distribute sales throughout Europe and worldwide. If you are looking for industry advice on paintball,
paintball games and paintball equipment please feel free to contact us. Looking to buy paintball products? Why not visit the Eclipse online
Paintball Shop.